A Master of Deceit

Remiel lay slumped in a chair, but it was not the comfortable green chair he liked so much. No, this was one of the chairs in Crimson Sky's study. Most of his body screamed in agony. Crystal Clear had really done a number on him this time, but it was necessary. His left eye was swollen shut, his jaw dislocated. Bruises covered most of his body and it was likely that even a few of his ribs were cracked. It took all of his willpower just to remain conscious. Across from him sat a very angry Crimson Sky. After he had Crystal Clear rough him up, Crimson Sky and Swift Wing had appeared at his doorstep and drug him here.

"You said that nopony would come looking for you," Crimson Sky said in a calm voice that betrayed none of the anger Remiel knew he held beneath.

"I-I didn't know," Remiel said weakly. "I only...I only met that small family. I-I didn't know they'd send a search party for me." Crimson Sky nodded to a figure standing beside Remiel, and Remiel found himself being hoisted into the air by Swift Wing. Suddenly he felt something hit him hard on his ribs, causing him to cry out in anguish as he felt something break. Remiel was then unceremoniously dropped on the floor to writhe in pain.

"Those aren't just any Royal Guards," Crimson Sky continued. "They are part of Princess Celestia's personal guard. The best of the best. They wouldn't send them to look for just anypony." The princess' personal guard? Just what kind of strings did Heavy Axe pull?

"W-Why would I want the guards to find me?" Remiel asked weakly. "I-I'm now an accomplice to what's going on here. I have just as much to lose as you!" Remiel saw Swift Wing look to his employer, then brought his foot back and delivered a hard kick to his stomach. Remiel gasped in pain as the blow forced all the air out of him.

"Good, at least you realize that much," Crimson Sky's voice called. "But I fear I have been too lenient with my handling of you. You have earned my trust as well as my respect, but nothing must come in the way of profit. You understand." Remiel heard footsteps approach him from behind. "Stand him up." Remiel felt a strong pair of hands lift him to his feet and turn him so he could look Crimson Sky in the eye. "It pains me to have to do this, but I must show you the punishment for what happens to those who displease me." Remiel had a bad feeling about what was going to happen. Crimson Sky pulled out a Source Stone and held it in his left hand. "You've been curious about the reason these stones are so valuable, correct? Allow me to show you." He clenched the stone in his hand and it began to glow.

This was bad, if the stallion was about to do what he thought then the ability that the relic gave him was about to be revealed. Remiel braced for the markings on his arm to begin to glow, but instead his world went white with pain and it felt as though he was burning from the inside out. A scream of pure agony flew from his lips as the pain took hold. Remiel wasn't sure how long he was caught in the throes of agony. Seconds? Minutes? The pain blotted out all else in its wake. Finally the pain receded and Remiel's body went limp.

"Let that be a lesson of what happens to those who displease me," he could faintly hear Crimson Sky say. "Take him back to his room. Have Crystal Clear make sure he doesn't leave." Swift Wing didn't respond, or at least not that Remiel could hear. As the world around him went dark all Remiel could think was: Why didn't the relic absorb the magic?

Remiel hovered in darkness for what felt like an eternity. He was numb, tired, and angry, but rest was denied to him. He found himself being jostled and his eyes weakly opened. The world was a blur at first but slowly began to refocus. He found himself lying on his back, staring at a white ceiling. He looked to his right then left, identifying his surroundings as his room. When did he get here?

"I think he's waking up," a familiar voice said. Remiel turned to the voice and saw a muscular earth pony standing guard at the foot of his bed. The pony had a dark brown coat and a tan mane.

"Steel Sword," Remiel said to the stallion. The stallion nodded to him. Of all the followers Remiel had gained, Steel Sword was the toughest, but also the one that made Remiel the most wary. He didn't know the stallion's tale of how he came to work for Crimson Sky, but his dislike of the slaver made him join Remiel's side. Remiel trusted him to oust Crimson Sky, but no more than that. Remiel moved to sit up, but a firm pair of hands forced him back down, causing him to hiss in pain.

"Don't move, you're still hurt," he heard Gentle Touch say.

"I'm fine," Remiel assured her. "I've been through worse." He looked at the mare and saw a fire in her eyes.

"I don't care, you're not moving until you've rested more." Remiel was still surprised at how frank and commanding she had become. He had tried to set her straight but she proved she could be just as headstrong as her sister. He gave up after a while and let the mare do as she pleased, that was a big mistake. Since then she made it her mission to be a mother hen and try and dictate everything he did. That he put a stop to. Now she just did it on occasion and usually when he needed it most. Despite knowing better, it did feel nice to have somepony that seemed to care about him. However, she was the only one he allowed to see his softer side. As far as the others knew he was just a few shades less evil than Crimson Sky.

"Very well," he conceded. He then turned his attention back to Steel. "Any word from Storm Chaser?" The stallion nodded.

"He returned a while ago," Steel Sword answered. "Said he dropped the note off in the room the guards are staying in."

"He wasn't seen?" Remiel asked.

"So far as we know, nopony saw him," the large stallion answered. Remiel sighed deeply.

"Then make sure that he is placed on a detail that has at least one other of our small group in it," Remiel told him.

"So you do care," Steel Sword said smugly.

"About making sure that nopony that can disclose my plans to Crimson Sky is captured, yes," Remiel replied in an indifferent tone. "Any word on what the guards are doing now?"

"They're leaving in a few hours," Steel Sword answered. Remiel thought for a moment.

"How long do you think it would take them to return with a sizable force?" Remiel asked

"Since we are at least a two day walk from the nearest town, I'd say a week, maybe more." Remiel gave the stallion a confused look.

"When I was captured we were less than a day's travel from the capital," he said. The stallion fished through his pocket and pulled out a small jar filled with a sickly green liquid with a stopper on the end.

"They call it 'Nap Time'," Steel explained. "Whoever drinks it winds up in a comatose like state of sleep that is only lifted by the antidote." Remiel's eyes narrowed in quiet fury. That did explain how such an operation could go undiscovered when he thought it was so close to the capital.

"And how far are we from Canterlot?" The stallion thought for a moment.

"Well, from the nearest town you'd take the train and that'd be at least a two day trip, so four days in total. Let me revise what I said earlier, it might take close to two weeks for the guard to return." Remiel sighed to cover up the anxiety building inside of him. When he came to this world he had perhaps ten months to live. He thought he had been here for less than one but it was looking as though it was somewhere between one month and a month in a half. Time was proving to be no ally to him. Then something gave Remiel pause, and a smile came to his lips.

"Crafty bastards."

"What?" Gentle Touch asked.

"I'm nearly a week's travel from the capital," he answered.

"Yeah, that's what I just said," Steel Sword  replied.

"However, I went missing less than a day's travel from the capital," Remiel said, his smile widening.

"I don't get it," Steel responded.

"Why would they come this far out to search for me?"

"Because they couldn't find you close to the capital?" Gentle Touch asked. Remiel shook his head.

"Those guards aren't searching for me."

"What?" Steel Sword asked.

"Why would you send your elite guards to search for a missing person?"

"The princesses care for all their subjects," was Steel Sword's reply. Was that reverence in his voice? Why wasn't he concerned about the guards? If he were found out he would be looking at a severe punishment for his crimes. Unless he had no reason to be afraid. Remiel dismissed it for now and continued his explanation.

"But I'm not one of their subjects so that is irrelevant. This search for me is a lie. It's merely a pretense to search the town," Remiel said happily. "If they just showed up unannounced and for no reason it could cause Crimson Sky to run and potentially do something to harm the ponies enslaved at the mine."

"So they already know?"

"Or at the very least suspect something."

"But we saw them coming and I doubt they saw any of what's really going on here."

"Until they received my letter."

"I still don't see what you're so happy about," Steel replied, frustrated.

"There is quite a bit of wooded areas around here where you could hide a large group. Tell me, have all the lookouts reported back yet?"

"All but the ones at the western forest," Steel Sword answered. It was then realization dawned on his face.

"Exactly," Remiel said in a cheery voice.

"What?" Gentle Touch asked.

"Steel Sword, gather everypony, we may not have much time and we have much to do." Steel Sword nodded his head and dashed out of the room.

"What's going on?" Gentle Touch asked.

"I want you to go to the staff," Remiel told her, ignoring the question. "Tell them that something is about to happen and when it does that they should flee into the forest and hide until things die down, I don't want them getting in the way of my plans." In truth, they were the only reliable witnesses that could identify Crimson Sky as the leader and Remiel didn't want to risk him killing them to cover his tracks.

"Remiel," she sounded afraid. "What's going on?"

"The Royal Guard is just outside the town," he told her. A shocked look crossed her face. "Yes, they're going to attack just before the sun rises."

"That's only a few hours away," she gasped.

"Good, then we still have time," he replied in a soothing voice.

"Now that the guard's here, we can just let them handle Crimson Sky, right?" Remiel pondered that for a moment, or at least pretended to.

"You're right, but we must still ensure that he can't escape or hurt anypony, right?" In truth, Remiel was going to ensure that he was dead before the guards even breached the manor.

"Right," she answered.

"Now go and warn the staff," Remiel said kindly. The mare gave him a look that told him wasn't comfortable with leaving him in his current state, but nodded.

"I'll be right back," she told him. And with that she left his room. Remiel felt a familiar pain in his chest that he knew all too well. It was the feeling of betraying the belief of those who believed there was some shred of good in him. The poor girl, she wanted so badly to believe in him, but there was no chance of Remiel letting Crimson Sky leave this place in anything but a casket. Remiel banished the thoughts from his mind. There would be time to dwell on his shortcomings later, now he had to formulate an entirely new plan. Only a few minutes passed before Crystal Clear entered his room.

"What was everypony in such a hurry for?" she asked.

"The plan has changed," Remiel told her. "The Royal Guard is preparing to raid this town." Her eyes went wide. Remiel took a moment to brief her on his earlier conversation.

"So what are we going to do?" she asked finally.

"I'm still piecing it together," he confessed.

"Should we make a run for it?" she asked. Remiel shook his head.

"That would be too suspicious, besides the guards know I'm here and that there are those among you who are working against Crimson Sky."

"But we'll-"

"Likely be arrested on sight," he finished for her. "Don't worry, I already know how to secure a pardon for all of you."

"How?"

"Duress. You were misled into accepting a job then forced to stay otherwise Crimson Sky would have killed you." Crystal Clear didn't seem very sure of that plan. "If that fails I know where Crimson Sky's money is. It shouldn't be too difficult to buy off a judge or bribe a guard to 'lose' you all during transport."

"Why would you do that for us?" Remiel gave her a confused look.

"Would you rather stay in prison?"

"No, you just never seemed to really care about anypony but yourself." Remiel smirked slightly.

"Because you have been useful and I reward those who prove themselves." Crystal Clear donned a thoughtful look then chuckled softly.

"Gentle Touch was right about you," she laughed. Remiel frowned at her.

"Please, enlighten me."

"You act all mean and cold, but you're really a nice colt." Remiel continued to frown at her.

"I'm leaving you in prison." That just made her laugh harder. What was it about these ponies that made them think he was nice? Was he going soft in his remaining time? "If you are done laughing, we have plans to make." For the next several minutes he and the mare made a few preliminary plans but nothing solid yet. Soon the remaining members of his small group arrived and Remiel rose from the bed to address them properly. Without the covers on he could see that a fair amount of his body was covered in bruises, but that would come in handy very soon. For the time being though it was utter agony.

"Crystal sure did a number on ya didn't she, boss?" Storm Chaser chuckled. A sorrowful look appeared on Crystal Clear's face.

"Indeed, but it is of no consequence," he replied. He looked over his small group. "Now, I trust you all know about the guards that are supposedly here searching for me, yes?" They all nodded. "Good. To begin with, they aren't here for me, but to bring down Crimson Sky." That earned a few gasps from the assembled ponies.

"How do you know?" Dark Shadow asked. This particular pony was slightly unnerving by his appearance. He was a kind of sub species of pegasus known as a Thestral, basically a bat pony. He had a coat as black as night with a mane to match, piercing red eyes and a pair of bat-like wings. He even had two very sharp fangs, even though he fed on neither meat nor, thankfully, blood. Of his followers Remiel held him as the most dangerous. His story was that he came here as an enforcer, but didn't have the stomach for slavery. Remiel also saw him as the most useful of the group, somepony he could rely on to do the more...unsavory things he may need done.

"Simple deduction," Remiel answered. "However, we are not here to discuss how I came about this knowledge, but rather how we're going to ensure this place crumbles."

"What are you talking about?" an earth pony mare who went by the name of Heart Shield asked. "Shouldn't we just leave it up to the guard?" Remiel earnestly liked this mare. She was kind, honest to a fault and a good natured pony. Why she came to work for Crimson Sky is beyond him but he was thankful since it put one more on his side.

"No," he answered sternly. "I won't chance Crimson Sky escaping then learning of our hand in his destruction. Would you want him free to come after you?" The sudden change in her eyes told him her answer was 'no'. "Now, it would be wisest for them to attack early in the morning, just before the sun rises."

"Why?" Crystal Clear asked.

"So they can approach with less chance of being noticed as well as sow chaos among Crimson Sky's thugs in the darkness. Then as the sun rises and it becomes brighter they could do a more thorough sweep of the town. While a good military strategy, the darkness will give Crimson Sky ample opportunity to slip away undetected."

"So what do you want us to do?" Steel Sword asked.

"We sow chaos before the guards even arrive," Remiel replied. That earned him several confused looks.

"Why?" Crystal Clear asked.

"To cover their advance and put Crimson Sky's thugs I'm disarray," was the answer.

"And how do we do that?" Dark Shadow asked.

"Free the ponies at the mine." The room went dead silent.

"What?" Crystal Clear asked finally.

"We release the prisoners." Remiel wouldn't admit it, but he took a small amount of pleasure from consistently shocking them.

"Wouldn't that put them in danger?" Steel Sword asked.

"That's not the biggest problem," Dark Shadow interrupted. "First we would have to get past the eight ponies Crimson Sky has guarding them."

"That won't be a problem," Remiel told him. "Steel Sword, I assume you still have a vial of that 'Nap Time' potion, correct?" The stallion nodded his head. "Then we shall drug them."

"You really think they'll drink on the job?" Steel Sword asked.

"These are common thugs, not trained guards."

"Still, why don't we use it on Crimson Sky?" Remiel supposed it was too much to hope that he wouldn't make that suggestion.

"You expressed concern for those trapped inside the mine, didn't you? What would happen if those thugs panicked and tried something...drastic with the prisoners?" That seemed to silence him on the matter. "At least we can potentially control the the flow of prisoners instead of causing needless panic.

"Alright, but how will we control them?" Remiel gave him a sly smile.

"This is my plan thus far. Insight is welcome, but do not needlessly interrupt me." Remiel explained his plan to the assembled ponies,weaving a web around them that had them ensnared. None dared interrupt him. "Any questions?" Not a one raised their voice. "Then get to it, time is of the utmost importance." Slowly they all began to file out from the room, save for Dark Shadow.

"Why am I staying here? I'm more useful out in the night."

"I have something in which I can only rely on you for," Remiel explained. "Together, we will carry out the most crucial part of the plan." The stallion's eyes narrowed slightly.

"And what's that?"

"We're going to kill Crimson Sky," Remiel answered with a smile. Instead of shock or horror, Dark Shadow merely smiled in return. His upper lip curled back to show his fangs and his eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"What do you need me to do?"

-----Two Hours Later-----

Remiel lay in his bed, the picture of misery and agony. While most of it was an act, a small part of him was anxious for the plan to kick off. Several times he had to take a moment to collect himself. It wasn't uncommon for him to feel this way right before a major operation, but the fact that he was on the front lines made it worse.He had to keep it together, he couldn't allow Crimson Sky to leave this place alive.

He closed his good eye and took a breath. Soon. Soon everything would be done and over with. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. "Enter," he said calmly. The door opened and in walked Dark Shadow.

"They're about to start any second now," he said with a neutral expression. Remiel nodded his head.

"Good, do you have it?" The stallion nodded and approached the bed beside Remiel. The stallion then pulled out a short steel dagger and handed to Remiel hilt first.

"So you're really gonna do it," he said, his voice sounding somewhat surprised. Remiel nodded his head.

"I'll not risk him escaping judgement and being free to enact his revenge," Remiel told him. "I fight my battles in such a way that I don't have to fight them twice." Dark Shadow nodded his head at that.

"Never actually been a part of a murder before," he mumbled. Remiel gave him a thoughtful look.

"I noticed that the rest of our group had an aversion to that as well."

"You think that's strange?"

"Murder isn't exactly an uncommon occurrence where I'm from."

"It's almost unheard of in Equestria," Dark Shadow explained. "I think the last instance was a decade or so ago."

"It was more recent than that." Dark Shadow gave Remiel a questioning look. "Top right drawer. It is my assumption that Crimson Sky killed two ponies and had them turned into clothes, but the reason eludes me." Dark Shadow seemed disgusted. "Do you not think he deserves death?" Dark Shadow shook his head.

"No, if anypony deserves to die it's him."

"Good," Remiel replied as he slipped the dagger into the waist of his pants and covered it with the shirt he had donned before getting back in bed. Suddenly the pair could hear a commotion outside the window. "It seems it has begun." Dark Shadow didn't respond. "Take your position, but stay close. I will need you to take care of Swift Wing then aid me with the other guards when I make my move." The stallion departed without saying a word. Remiel didn't mind, he knew several who acted similarly right before a mission. It was their way of mentally preparing for what was to come. Several minutes passed when suddenly the door to his room burst open. Remiel didn't have to pretend to be surprised as a green pegasus stepped into the room. He locked eyes with Remiel.

"Come with me," was all Swift Wing said. Remiel hastily sat up on the bed and swung his legs so they hung over the edge. Then, with exaggerated difficulty, climbed to his feet. He hobbled over to Swift Wing.

"What's happening?" he asked.

"No time," was the reply. "We're meeting with Red Hoof and then leaving." Remiel gave him a concerned look.

"Just the three of us?"

"Don't be stupid, there's another group we'll meet up with in the forest," the pegasus replied. Remiel had to keep from smiling. So it would only be Crimson Sky and Swift Wing. That made things much simpler.  Remiel said nothing further as he followed the green stallion, never once looking back to see if Dark Shadow was following him. He could almost feel the stallion stalking after them like a predator after its prey. Swift Wing quickly led Remiel through the manor to Crimson Sky's study.

Remiel was curious why they were meeting here, but quickly dismissed it when the stallion opened the door and he saw Crimson Sky throwing several books into the fire. The stallion spun to look at who had entered and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it was Swift Wing and Remiel.

"Are the preparations complete?" Crimson Sky asked his lackey.

"Everything is just as we planned," Swift Wing replied. "With the ponies from the mine set free the guards will be delayed in reaching us here."

"Good," Crimson Sky responded. He then locked eyes with Remiel.

"Has something happened?" Remiel asked, feigning nervousness in his voice.

"My apologies, friend," the slaver called. "It seems you are not to blame for the guards. They were preparing to raid our base."

"What do we do?" Remiel asked, his nervousness changing to fear. Crimson Sky offered a comforting smile and walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Do not fear, I was prepared for this day," he answered. Remiel allowed his mask of fear to fall and smiled at the stallion.

"That I find doubtful," Remiel replied with a wicked tone. Before Crimson Sky could respond, Remiel took the dagger hidden in the waist of his pants and drove it into the stallion's heart. Remiel wished he could have seen a final look of desperation on the slaver's face, but the dagger's work was done instantly All that remained were two lifeless eyes looking back at him in silent horror. It was enough. "Now!" The door to the room burst open and a dark blur shot past where Remiel was standing and towards the green stallion. The green stallion barely had time to brace himself as the Thestral crashed into him at full speed. Afterwards there was a short struggle and the green pegasus lived no more.

"Well done," Remiel told Dark Shadow. "That went better than I dared hope for." Dark Shadow rose to his feet and approached Remiel.

"The guard will be here any minute," Dark Shadow responded. "What do we do now."

"We stage the scene and get our stories straight, of course," Remiel answered. Dark Shadow gave him a confused look. "Move Swift Wing's body near the door. When the guard arrives you say you saw him preparing to attack me and had to defend me." The best part was that was mostly true, just slightly twisting the facts.

"And you?"

"I was lured here by Crimson Sky so that he may kill me," was Remiel's response. "He landed numerous blows with a dagger, even stabbing me near the shoulder. I wrestled the dagger free of his grasp and killed him to save myself."

"But you're not hurt," Dark Shadow argued.

"And that is where my plan becomes unpleasant. For me at least." Remiel looked the stallion in the eyes. "You may want to avert your eyes." Remiel then looked to the bloodstained weapon in his hands, and then rose it, making several small cuts across his hand and forearm before switching and doing the same to the other. The cuts burned and blood flowed freely, but Remiel was undeterred. He then kneeled over Crimson Sky's empty corpse and took his left hand, placing the dagger in it and took a deep breath. The things I do to clean the scum from the world. He then plunged the dagger into his chest, high and to the left of his heart. The dagger sunk a good four inches into his flesh before he ripped it back out and blood began spilling from his body. A scream of pain escaped his lips as he instinctively covered the wound.

"You really are insane," Dark Shadow gasped, rushing to his side. Remiel waved him off. He wasn't quite done yet. He then took the dagger and plunged it back into Crimson Sky's chest.

"There," Remiel said breathlessly, sweat dripping from his face. "Now...we wait." The world began to blur in front of Remiel. Had he really lost that much blood? Already? Fear grew in his heart. Had he clipped an artery? He had thought he had placed the wound so it would be little more than a flesh wound.

"Remiel? Remiel! Stay with me! Don't go to sleep!" Remiel could hear Dark Shadow's voice, but it was getting further away. "Help! I need help in here!" Then Remiel heard a new voice just before the world completely faded.

"Equestrian Royal Guard!"

Oh good, they made it. Hope everyone's alright. And with that the world faded away into blissful oblivion. His pain vanished and mind felt at ease. At least until a familiar disembodied voice shattered his peace.

You disgust me, the voice called. Remiel sighed in exasperation.

"I suppose there really is no rest for the weary," Remiel replied, ignoring the voice's disdain.

Have you no regard for any but yourself?

"I've grown tired of your 'holier than thou' speeches," Remiel replied, his voice dripping with venom. "From where I'm standing you simply stand and watch as the wicked victimize the innocent then judge those who actually stand up to do something about it."

I maintain balance, be it through good or ill. Remiel laughed at the voice.

"You play God, and yet judge me?" Remiel laughed. "This is quite humorous. You place me here, knowing full well what I'm capable of, and then condemn my actions. You are nothing but a coward. A being too weak to do what is necessary so you have others do it for you and then try and claim the moral high ground. I disgust you? The feeling is mutual."

You are mistaken. I am not responsible for you being here.

"I find that doubtful. You planned this, called it a 'trial' if I'm not mistaken."

I see only what is, and what may be.

"Then how do you 'maintain balance' as you claim?"

My hands strech far and wide, but they do not interfere with the path you tread. The world is not ready for a clash between us.

"Enough," Remiel responded in a tired voice. "I'm tired of pointless discussions that yield only vague responses. Say what you will, but know that my decisions are my own and unless your input becomes more helpful I will disregard anything you have to say."

Then you are a fool. You are not a part of this world, yet you would ignore the shepherd that would guide you to where you may graze in peace and joy. Remiel paused for a moment, then burst out laughing at the voice.

"Then that was your first mistake," Remiel mocked, recovering from his outburst of laughter. "People such as myself don't get to be happy; we have too much to do."

You would bear the weight of the world alone?

"Would it be better to let it crush others with me? No. It's better that I carry this burden alone." Remiel paused a moment before continuing. "I would not have another stain their soul with as much sin as I have." The voice didn't rapid right away.

Perhaps I was hasty in my judgment. Even a child sees the world with their eyes open, albeit through a screen of their own naivety. You have not even opened your eyes yet. I leave you with this: When next I reach out to you heed my words. For I will not allow another world to fall in ruins because of blind ignorance. Now rest, and pray that your eyes will open before it is too late.

Remiel passed into a deep slumber before he could question the voice further.

----Unknown Location----

A figure only partially lit by a small, blue fire relaxed into his seat. 'Remiel' had failed his tests, proving he knew only violence and self serving greed, despite his honeyed words. He would become a problem soon, but there was still time. The figure took a long controlled breath. Yes, time was his ally, not the Broken Vessel's. He took a moment to ponder that. Perhaps it wasn't. If 'Remiel' were to fully awaken before he was ready then a clash between them would be inevitable, and possibly cataclysmic. He had to be sure that didn't happen. But how?

Killing him was out of the question, his role was of too much importance. Besides he wasn't the Killer In Mourning. He was the Vengeful Warden, the shield and sword of this plane. And it was because of his love for this world that he would protect it no matter the cost. He would not allow the annihilation of another world stain his soul.

The figure raised his left hand, the light of the blue fire tinting his skin the same color, and conjured a small blue orb. A soft hum vibrated the air as he waited for the being on the other side to respond. Finally a female voice came from the orb.

"Yes, my lord?" the voice asked.

"How does the day find you, my dear?" he asked in a kind, fatherly tone.

"I'm well, sir," she answered.

"I'm overjoyed to hear so. Alas, though I wish it were not, I have need of you."

"What do you ask of me, my lord?"

"Have you heard of the human 'Remiel'?"

"Human? I'm afraid not."

"Then word of him has yet to spread," the figure said softly, more to himself than the mare he was speaking with. "You must head for Canterlot. He will arrive there shortly."

"Do you want me too follow him, sir?"

"No, one of our family members is already watching over him. What I need of you is very dangerous, and will involve much cunning."

"I'm ready, my lord."

"I cannot thank you enough. Every resource we have will be at your disposal. There is a certain relic that is housed inside the Royal Palace that must be relocated to Origin. Were it that I could get it myself I would, but it is not something I can come into contact with."

"It will be done."

"Do not rush, but you must not tarry either. Should 'Remiel' discover it first than all we have done will be for naught."

"I will not fail, my lord."

"May luck be with you, my dear friend." With that the connection was terminated and the orb faded from existence. He felt relief wash over him. Having the most trusted and capable member of his family taking care of the relic put him at ease. Suddenly a jolt of electricity shot through his body, tensing his muscles and causing him to inhale sharply. Images flashed before his eyes almost faster than he could perceive them. Finally the vision ended and he slumped in his chair, panting heavily.

It took him a moment to slow his breathing and collect himself before he could process what he had seen. Once he had, horror and rage washed over him in equal measures. His hands clenched into tight fists, his nails puncturing his flesh and drawing blood. "So the third Child of The Abyss has awoken. The Killer In Mourning now stalks the earth." The figure had been dreading this day for millenia, and here it was. His hands eased from their clenched states and the small cuts on his palms sealed like they had never been there.

There was no doubt now. He still had time before the Killer In Mourning could breach the veil to this plane. For now he had to deal with the Broken Vessel, and muster his armies for the Final Act. He knew no number of legions could turn the tide against his enemy, but they could buy him time should the veil be breached sooner than he anticipated. The Broken Vessel, Remiel Samael Blaz, was the key to winning this war. One way or another he would make that child of darkness see the light. And if that failed...A weary, defeated sigh escaped his lips.

Should he fail to awaken the Broken Vessel, or succeed and the vessel turns against him, then he would breach the veil himself. Then he would lay waste to the Killer In Mourning, the Broken Vessel, himself and the entire plane. It was better for one side of the veil to disappear than to lose both. He shook the soul-shattering thoughts from his mind. He could not, would not fail in this endeavor. But if he was to succeed, then he had to quit dawdling and get to work. Suddenly a thought occurred to him.

"Yes, that may just work." A smile broke the frown that had previously dominated his face. Another small, blue orb appeared in his left hand. He had much to do, and this would be the first of many strings he'd have to pull.